Euro 96 Knock-Out Stage

For the first time in a major competition, the golden goal rule was applied: if scores were level after 90 minutes, two periods of 15 minutes extra-time would be played but the match would end immediately if one team scored. If there was no scoring in extra-time, a penalty competition would decide the result.

After England's elimination in the semi-finals, rioting occurred in Trafalgar Square and disturbances took place in several other cities with the police and German-made cars the targets.

England 0 Spain 0 (after extra time)
(England won 4-2 on penalties)

Wembley Stadium, London (75,440)
22 June 1996

The momentum gained by the hosts after their excellent performance against the Netherlands was checked by a resolute Spanish side. Defences dominated and there was no score after 120 tense minutes. In the penalty shoot-out, Seaman saved Miguel Nadal's kick, Gascoigne scored and England were in the semi-finals.

Strong defence and tactics as well as a bit of luck saw France through against the Dutch, Laurent Blanc scoring the decisive goal in the penalty competition after 120 goal-less minutes.

Germany

Croatia

Germany 2 Croatia 1

Old Trafford, Manchester (43,412)
23 June 1996

The Croatian side paid the price of fielding a weakened side in their last group match by being matched with the favourites. Germany, nevertheless, had to work hard after taking a first-half lead. Davor Šuker equalised in the 51st minute but moments later Igor Štimac was given his marching orders, stopping Croatia in their tracks. Shortly afterwards, Sammer put Germany back in the lead and that was enough to put them into a semi-final meeting with the hosts.

Czech Republic

Portugal

Czech Republic 1 Portugal 0

Villa Park, Birmingham (26,832)
23 June 1996

For all Portugal's talent and ability to retain possession, they were unable to unlock the Czech's well-disciplined defence. The match was decided by a moment of brilliance by Karel Poborský who chipped the ball over the advancing Portuguese goalkeeper after 53 minutes.

Both teams were weakened by suspensions and caution prevailed in a match that had few scoring opportunities. The golden goal rule served only to produce even more sterile football in extra-time with both sides seeming content to go into the penalty competition. The first ten kicks were converted so it went to "sudden death." Kouba saved from Pedros and the Czech captain, Miroslav Kadlec finished it off to take his team into the final.

Germany

England

Germany 1 England 1 (after extra time)
(Germany won 6-5 on penalties)

Wembley Stadium, London (75,862)
26 June 1996

England took the lead in the opening minutes only to concede an equaliser with a quarter of an hour gone. Both teams went at each other with a vengeance but there was no further score after 90 minutes. England had two chances to finish it off with an extra-time golden goal, Anderton hitting the post and Gascoigne just failing to connect with Shearer's cross in front of an open goal. In the penalty shoot-out both teams scored with their first five kicks and then, in "sudden death," Gareth Southgate missed and England were out.

Final

Germany

Czech Republic

Germany 2 Czech Republic 1
(Golden Goal in extra time)

Wembley Stadium, London (73,611)
30 June 1996

A penalty by Berger put the Czechs into the lead in the 59th minute against a German team weakened by injuries. Germany, however, never know when they are beaten and were inspired by Oliver Bierhoff who came off the bench and scored the equaliser in the 73rd minute. He scored again in the fifth minute of extra-time, the first and last "golden goal" of Euro 96.